Jessica Doney with son Ethan, 2

Jessica, 24, was treated for a brain tumor at CHKD when she was 9. An avid gymnast, she had started to lose her balance and suffered from increasingly debilitating headaches. When she was brought to CHKD, a large mass was discovered and she underwent a 13-hour surgery. It was successful, though Jessica had to learn to walk, talk and eat again. Through extensive physical and occupational therapy, she did those things and even learned how to write with her left hand. Jessica’s been in remission since then with little more than a 9-inch scar on the back of her head to remind her of that time in her life.

Fast-forward to 2006 when Jessica gave birth to her son, Ethan. He was born prematurely and was at another hospital when he developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening illness affecting the intestines of newborns. He was rushed to CHKD in the hospital’s mobile intensive care unit. CHKD’s team of neonatal specialists then set to the difficult task of stabilizing tiny Ethan. He was hospitalized for two months before he could go home with his mother.

“The transport team was wonderful and within minutes of arriving at CHKD, the hospital chaplains were at my side,” Jessica said. “The support I received from the NICU parents support groups and all of the resources at the hospital got me through that tough time. Ethan is 100 percent recovered. At 2, he doesn’t have any problems. I’m so grateful to CHKD.”

Nick, 15

Nick is the 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Champion representing Virginia and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. Nick was chosen because of his triumph over a traumatic motor cross accident that left him with a severe, life-threatening brain injury. After an extended stay in the pediatric intensive care unit at CHKD, Nick spent 18 days in acute rehab before going home. As viewers will see during the Telethon Celebration, Nick is doing great and living life to the fullest. As CMN Champion, Nick and his family traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., to participate in the taping of the 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Telethon Celebration. He then went to Washington, D.C., and visited The White House and met with U.S. senators and representatives on Capitol Hill as an ambassador for 17 million hospitalized children across the country.

Tyler, 21

During his yearly physical at 10 years of age, mounting symptoms including small stature, hydrocephaly, scoliosis, and a heart murmur pointed toward a genetic condition. Tyler’s pediatrician referred him to the genetic specialists at CHKD who diagnosed Marotaux-Lamy syndrome or MPS VI, an extremely rare genetic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency.

Tyler has been treated at many of the hospital’s clinics. For years, he received life-saving enzyme-replacement therapy weekly -- 8 hours at a time – until two years ago when he became able to do them at home.

Though Tyler has to make frequent visits to the hospital, he leads a very active life and is studying mechanical engineering at ODU with an eye towards motor sports management.

Chelsea, 15

Just as Chelsea started her freshman year of high school, the cheerleader and a runner began having bouts of dizziness and fatigue.

Her parents took her to the family doctor who found that her resting heart rate was dangerously high. He sent Chelsea to a cardiologist. After 30 seconds into a treadmill test, Chelsea’s heart rate shot up to 300 beats per minute. The test was halted.

“We were shocked when the doctor said, ‘You need to go to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters right away,’” her mother Monica said.

CHKD’s pediatric cardiology team diagnosed atrial tachycardia, a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat very fast. Chelsea was admitted to the hospital and a cardiac catheterization was performed. Other problems with Chelsea’s heart were found, including dead tissue in an area that had scar tissue and no electrical activity. Chelsea was in the hospital for one week as the medications were tried. Not long after going home, another spell sent Chelsea back to the PICU. Several other spells followed before doctors found the medication that works for her.

Chelsea is living more normally now with medication, but future surgery may be necessary. “CHKD will definitely be the place when it’s time for surgery,” Monica said. “The people on the cardiology team are so wonderful.”

Micah and Max, 1

Micah and Max were born at 28 weeks gestation, weighing just 2 and a half pounds. They arrived by cesarean delivery at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with a CHKD neonatologist and two nurses for each baby waiting nearby to transport them to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at CHKD.

Though in "good shape" compared to some of the other extremely premature and critically ill babies in the NICU, the boys had a long way to go before heading home with their worried parents, Marie and Matt.

Both boys had apnea of prematurity, which signifies lapses in breathing for more than 20 seconds, and they had frequent spells of bradycardia, a decreased heart rate caused by slowed breathing.

But Max and Micah, their parents could tell, were fighters. They grew stronger and stronger every day as their parents waited for word that they could come home. More complications and surgery for Micah ensued, but by March, as they hoped, the babies were strong enough to go home. Now, more than one year later, they are home growing and learning, and quickly catching up to babies whose start in life wasn't so troubled.

Mark, 22

Two years ago, Mark’s life was going full steam ahead. After graduating from Granby High School, he was attending Norfolk State University on a baseball scholarship. He stayed busy, studying political science and history, playing ball and participating in swim club. Around Thanksgiving 2006, Mark began having headaches. At his parents’ insistence, he went to the doctor.

They were shocked when Mark was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor that grows rapidly. Mark’s doctors at CHKD started treatment immediately, combining surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Mark finished chemotherapy treatment in April. He goes to the gym daily for physical therapy, working on his balance, coordination and walking ability which were affected by the tumor.

Mark says he feels comfortable at CHKD – especially at the outpatient cancer clinic. “They make you feel at home,” he said of the doctors and nurses -- especially Teresa, his favorite nurse, whom he refers to as “Mother Teresa.”

Jacob, 2

“I have an owie on my back,” were that first words to indicate that all was not well with 2-year-old Jacob last August. His parents knew something was wrong and took him to the doctor. An MRI was ordered and shortly thereafter Jacob was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma.

The pediatric cancer specialists at CHKD immediately put Jake on an aggressive treatment plan including 14 rounds of chemotherapy. Each chemo session required that he be hospitalized for one week. In February, Jacob had his last round of chemo.

His father, James, says, “We’ve fought a lot of battles and we’re confident that Jake is going to be just fine.”

As he contemplates Jake’s hair, which is now growing back, and the fact that his son can play outside after so many days spent in the hospital, James adds, “He’s a whole new little boy -– one we’ve been waiting to see for a long time.”

Landon, 4

At 10 months of age, Landon, who had always been a happy, bubbly little boy, became fussy and started crying a lot. He was taken to an adult hospital where a CT scan revealed that he had a mass in his brain. It was found to be a stage-3 malignant brain tumor.

Landon was brought immediately to CHKD where doctors put him on an aggressive treatment plan. He’s been through surgery, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, making CHKD’s inpatient and outpatient cancer units Landon’s home away from home. He is now back to his happy, playful self and is learning and growing. His mother says, “He’s so strong. He’s our hero.”

Timothy, 12

Timothy has been treated by the pediatric specialists at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters since he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth. Through the years, he has made many visits to the hospital’s various clinics including neurology, gastroenterology and pulmonology, and he has spent considerable time in the inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Along the way, Timothy has suffered numerous setbacks that required hospitalization, including a broken femur and pneumonia. His most recent hospitalization, however, was so that he could make the happy step from wheelchair to walker.

In spite of the physical challenges, Timothy is an avid athlete who participates in Special Olympics and challenge league baseball. He also loves bowling and golf.

Most importantly, says mom Lenore, is that Timothy loves people and he loves making people happy. “He’s definitely a people person and his bright attitude always lights up the room.”

Hannah, 10

Hannah went to the doctor because her knees were hurting after playing soccer. MRIs and X-rays were taken. Nothing was found, yet the pain continued.

It wasn’t until a later, after a bout of swollen glands, that blood work revealed that Hannah had acute lymphocytic leukemia.

CHKD’s pediatric oncology specialists started Hannah on a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and radiation. She lost weight and her hair, but not her strong spirit or sweet smile, which is what people always mention when talking about Hannah.

Hannah loves working and playing with the CHKD child life staff. They are the professionals who make hospital stays and visits as fun as possible for the children. The use games, videos, arts and crafts – and whatever it takes to make the hospital a little bit more like home. Hannah says when she grows up she’d like to be a child life specialist.